25 great facts about Tawang
Tawang is the western most part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Natural beauty, high altitude passes, Buddhist monasteries, lakes and proximity to the actual Indo-China line of control is what makes this district a wanderlust escape. Here are some facts about this Northeastern town.
Tawang is a town located in the Tawang district of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest towns in India. Tawang is known for its beautiful landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, alpine forests, and pristine lakes. The town is predominantly inhabited by the Monpa tribe, who have a rich cultural heritage and follow Mahayana Buddhism.
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- Taking a shared SUV is the best and most economical way to travel around Tawang district. They are easily available but one may need to bargain well to get a good deal.
- Puri bhaji is the staple breakfast all over Arunachal Pradesh. It is available easily in almost all eateries and dhabas across the state.
- Having a cup of chai is the best way to beat the morning cold. It does get super cold with temperatures even going down to minus.
- Snack stalls can be found all over the route from Guwahati to the town. You will not want for food while travelling on this road.
- You will find frozen lakes here during the winter months from December to March. The temperatures are so sub-zero that all the lakes here freeze up.
- Tawang monastery has an in-house school for young lamas. It is a great place to meet and greet these young students who are shy but friendly once you make friends with them. They may also oblige you by posing for pictures too.
- PT Tso lake is located around 20kms from the town of Tawang. Also known as Pankang Teng Tso Lake, this lake is on the other side of a peak that is lead by some pretty bumpy roads.
- Home stays are the best way to experience Tawang. Much like the rest of India, staying with a local family is truly the best way to get a close look at the life of people who live there. Living with them in their homes help you to truly have a great experience.
- Bum La is the Indo-China border in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It leads to China’s Cona County in Tibet.
- Nuranang Falls is located around 40 kms from Tawang town and is also known as Jang falls or Bong Bong Falls. There is a small hydel plant which generates electricity for locals that is located at the base of the falls. As per a popular myth, the falls are named after a local Monpa girl who was named Nura. The story says that she helped a soldier in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. But this is contested as the name was so as per many locals much before 1962.
- Restaurants in Tawang town shut down by 8-9 pm daily. It is very difficult to find food after that so an early dinner is recommended here to avoid going hungry to bed.
- The sun rises in Tawang anytime between 4-5 am daily. Day begins very early here and much like many parts of Eastern India, the sun touches its first rays much earlier than the rest of the country.
- Y junction in Tawang is the gateway to Bum La pass, the Indo-China border.
- Every lane of Dirang town is covered with prayer flags. This is a colourful sight for all who visit this Arunachal town.
- There is an overnight bus from Guwahati in Assam to Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Tawang has an excellent 4G network. One won’t have any issues with keeping in touch via social media while in Arunachal Pradesh as it has good cellphone network across.
Additional
17. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest inhabited towns in India.
18. Tawang is known for its picturesque landscapes, with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and alpine forests surrounding the town.
19. The town is famous for its Buddhist monasteries, the most significant being the Tawang Monastery, which is the largest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world.
20. Tawang Monastery was founded in the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso, and it is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
21. Tawang has a predominantly Buddhist population with a rich cultural heritage. The locals belong to the Monpa tribe, and their traditional customs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
22. The town is also known for its strategic location, as it is located near the borders of India, Tibet (China), and Bhutan. The contested border between India and China in the region has been a cause of political tension.
23. Tawang is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world, especially those interested in exploring the unspoiled natural beauty and experiencing Buddhist traditions.
24. The region is home to several high-altitude lakes, including the famous Sela Lake, which is frozen during the winter months.
25. Tawang holds historical significance as it was the site of the 1962 Indo-China war. The war memorial in Tawang commemorates the brave soldiers who fought during the conflict.
